Rush netted all three penalties in a brand new spot-kick simulator, just installed at the new venue, which gives fans the experience of taking a penalty kick at the Kop end.

The striker said: “I travel the world with Liverpool Football Club and I know how much this club means to many people far and wide, but to see us opening a new Sports Cafe just over the water is fantastic.

“We are a family club and this is a family restaurant. It’s a place to bring the kids and to have a great time. I’m really proud to have cut the ribbon and officially opened it tonight. I’m sure it will go from strength to strength.”

The Ellesmere Port mayor Angela Claydon spoke about the role the Boot Room can play in the continued development of the area.

Impressionist Darren Farley entertained the invited guests with impersonations of Rafa Benitez and Steven Gerrard and Starsailor singer James Walsh performed songs by his own band as well as Kop-favourites Fields of Anfield Road and Ring of Fire.

Liverpool FC operations director Andrew Parkinson said: “It’s just over a year since we opened our first Boot Room and it’s quite fitting that today the Boot Room here in Cheshire Oaks has leapt ahead of the one at Anfield in the Open Table restaurant reviews.

“We are confident this is going to be a big success and we would encourage people in the area to come along and see for yourself what we have to offer. “

The Boot Room restaurant seats more than 200 people in a 5,500sq ft unit and has Liverpool memorabilia, private booths, TV screens and an outside children’s area.

“We haven’t been open long but the Boot Room has started really well,” said restaurant manager Richard Simkin.

“We’ve been really busy, we regularly host parties, there are christenings planned for later in the year and talk of weddings as well, so we’re very excited about what the future holds.”